Like hordes of Americans who watched the Super Bowl Sunday, Billy and Shana Neel celebrated in typical style with friends, big-screen TVs, beer and food – a lot of food.

Tables were loaded with chips, dips, brisket, and stuffed jalapenos, contributing to an estimated 30 million pounds of snacks expected to be consumed by fans on game day, which now ranks as the second-biggest food consumption day in the U.S. next only to Thanksgiving.

Billy Neel likes to say the annual bash, which has grown into one of the largest private parties in San Antonio, “gets more ridiculous every year.”

So this year, the couple decided to give the ridiculous a little meaning. They turned a day known for eating to excess into an opportunity to help the hungry.

They asked their estimated 200 guests to bring non-perishable food items and cash donations for the San Antonio Food Bank. The couple plans to match the total dollar contributions up to $200.

“It just seemed like a natural fit and a good way to add a little positive twist to it this year,” said Billy Neel, director of the home loan company United Lending.

He chose the Food Bank because the needs of the non-profit are particularly grim in January.

“Everybody during the holidays tends to volunteer for the food bank and donate a lot of food,” he said. “Then January hits and the holidays are done and a lot of folks tend to forget that there are people out there who still need food and help.”

Eric Cooper, president and CEO of the food bank, appreciated the Neel's efforts. The post-holiday drop in donations forces the food bank to ration supplies to the 58,000 people it feeds every week, he said. Shelves start to empty and volunteers are scarce.

“We've become accustomed to our own little version of a fiscal cliff,” he said. “I think what they're saying is that there's room at our party for everyone. They're an example for all of us to think that way in a time of abundance.”

“There's a lot of need out there and we have so much,” Shana Neel said.

Guests at the party were ready to play their parts. By kick-off time, many were wearing food bank stickers on their shirts, indicating they made a donation.

“We all know the value of doing something like this,” said Scott Jauregui. “There are a lot of people who don't have all of this.”

Of course, altruism wasn't the only the thing that drew people to Sunday's celebrations.

With no regional implications in the showdown between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens, many fans said they weren't cheering for a favorite team. Instead, they came to blow off steam, revel in the sport or just shake out the winter doldrums.

“Even though we don't have a horse in the race, it's the love of the game that brings people together,” said Tom Ortiz.

At Fatso's Sports Garden, a variety of motives brought fans out.

“It's good to just get out of the house and watch the game with like-minded people,” said Mark Rose, who admitted to being “more of a basketball fan.”

Sandra Rodriguez brought her two daughters, her sister and her nephew to the bar, where she watches the game nearly every year.

Even though she doesn't count herself a big football fan, she comes for the camaraderie.

“I enjoy the crowd. It's fun,” she said.

Sunday's game was the first time Maria Calixto had watched the Super Bowl. She brought her friend from Venezuela to watch it with her. They did not consider themselves devoted football fan.